The highest resolution modern microscope currently available is the cryo-electron microscope (Cryo-EM). It has the ability to provide atomic-level resolution and is widely used in structural biology research.
A cryo-electron microscope works by rapidly freezing samples in liquid ethane at extremely low temperatures. This preserves the sample's natural structure and prevents damage from the electron beam, allowing for high resolution imaging.
Compared to other types of microscopes, a cryo-electron microscope offers higher resolution, faster imaging times, and the ability to capture images of large and complex biological structures. It also requires minimal sample preparation, making it a valuable tool in structural biology research.
Cryo-electron microscopy is commonly used in structural biology to study the structures of proteins, viruses, and other biological molecules. It is also used in drug discovery, materials science, and nanotechnology research.
One limitation of using a cryo-electron microscope is the size and complexity of the equipment, which can be expensive and require specialized maintenance. Additionally, samples must be frozen and cannot be living, so the technique is not suitable for studying dynamic processes in real-time.